Diana Krall Shines Live at Newport Jazz Festival — Tonight on NPR’s All Things Considered Live

Tonight, music lovers are in for a treat with the All Things Considered Live Radio Show, NPR’s weekly celebration of live music, iconic performances, and festival highlights. Each episode transports listeners to some of the nation’s most legendary stages, offering exclusive live recordings from NPR Music at renowned venues and festivals. From intimate jazz sets to expansive festival showcases, the program is your front-row ticket to the stories and performances that define the music landscape.

Tonight’s spotlight turns to the inimitable Diana Krall, performing a full concert at the Newport Jazz Festival on August 15, 1999. Recorded live in Newport, Rhode Island, this performance captures the elegance, sophistication, and emotional depth that have defined Krall’s career, showcasing her ability to breathe new life into classic jazz standards. With her signature smoky vocals and masterful piano work, Krall creates a set that is both intimate and electrifying, reminding audiences why she remains one of the most acclaimed jazz artists of her generation.

The concert opens with the joyous I Love Being Here with You, immediately establishing an intimate connection with the audience. Krall seamlessly moves through classics like All or Nothing at All and I’ve Got You Under My Skin, each note layered with nuanced emotion and exquisite phrasing. Highlights include Devil May Care, where her playful timing and dynamic piano flourishes shine, and East of the Sun (West of the Moon), offering a hauntingly beautiful interpretation that lingers long after the final chord. The performance culminates in the high-energy Route 66, a perfect closer that leaves listeners both exhilarated and enchanted.

What makes this set extraordinary is its combination of technical mastery and emotional resonance. Krall’s ability to balance elegance with warmth creates an experience that is both polished and profoundly human. For jazz aficionados and casual listeners alike, this concert provides a masterclass in live performance, illustrating the timeless power of jazz to captivate, uplift, and inspire.

All Things Considered Live not only preserves these remarkable performances but also celebrates the artists, festivals, and moments that have shaped the musical world. For JamFest readers, it’s more than a radio show—it’s a gateway to experiencing music as it was meant to be: live, immersive, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re revisiting Diana Krall’s iconic 1999 Newport set or discovering the magic of live jazz for the first time, tonight’s episode promises a journey into artistry, passion, and the timeless allure of the Newport Jazz Festival. Tune in, lose yourself in the music, and experience the brilliance of one of jazz’s most remarkable voices.